A KNIFEMAN who stabbed another in the chest after a heated argument in the GWR Park has been jailed.

Royden Robinson, who as a young man growing up in the Cayman Islands served a 14-year jail stretch for attempted murder, took what he described as a “small butter knife” to the Swindon park.

The 41-year-old claimed he had not intended to stab victim Tee-Jay O’Hanlon but had lashed out when the younger man allegedly jumped up and tried to kick him.

Appearing before Swindon Crown Court, Robinson, formerly of Harding Street, pleaded guilty to GBH.

Sentencing him to two years and seven months imprisonment, Judge Peter Crabtree told Robinson: “This was a single penetrating wound. In the event the injury was not serious in the context of a wounding or GBH. However, there was a real risk of serious injury that could have been significant.”

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, said Robinson and O’Hanlon were seen arguing in GWR Park on the afternoon of July 23 by two witnesses.

“It was a hot, sunny day. They had all been drinking for some time. There was an argument between them,” the barrister said.

O’Hanlon was seen to strike Robinson in the head with a beer can. Robinson walked away but returned 15 minutes later having picked up a small kitchen knife from his accommodation at nearby Culvery Court.

One of the witnesses heard a member of the party say “he’s got a knife”. Robinson struck a single blow as O’Hanlon went to attack him.

O’Hanlon was left with a 4cm stab wound. Robinson’s knife missed his victim’s vital organs but the wound did require treatment at Great Western Hospital.

Robinson walked away from the park but was arrested later that afternoon on Canal Walk by armed police. He remained silent throughout his interview.

Mr Meeke outlined Robinson’s poor record of violence, which included convictions for GBH and attempted murder in his native Cayman Islands and an ABH conviction at Peterborough Crown Court in 2011.

Defending, David Maunder said his client’s violent past contrasted with his respectful manner: “One can hardly imagine the person in front of you behaving in the way alleged.”

Robinson accepted the force he used was excessive, but claimed he was acting in self-defence.

“It was an entirely foolish thing to do and he readily acknowledges that. In the heat of the moment he knows this particular complainant is capable of extreme violence,” Mr Maunder said.

His client had been involved in violence as a young man but had moved from the Cayman Islands to the UK for a fresh start. Robinson had held down agency work, was working with his homelessness support worker and enjoyed volunteering for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Robinson thanked the judge as he was taken from the dock by an officer.